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Travis Buck To Disabled List, Fernando Martinez Called Up And Will Start Saturday

March 12, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Fernando Martinez (50) works out prior to the game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE
March 12, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Fernando Martinez (50) works out prior to the game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

According to Zachary Levine:

According to Brian McTaggart it's an Achilles' injury for Buck. With Carlos Lee unavailable, because of a strained hamstring the Astros made a move and put Buck on the DL and called up Fernando Martinez:

Martinez has been a player the fans have wanted to see for a while tonight. He got off to a good start at Oklahoma City for the Redhawks. In 202 plate appearances Martinez is batting .326/.381/.543 with a .393 wOBA, a .380 BABIP and has sent eight balls out of the park via the homerun.

One of the biggest concerns regarding Martinez has been his splits against handed pitchers which favors facing righties over lefties. He also walks at a below average rate. Then there's the fact that he's struggled in every opportunity at the Major League level, although that's in only 145 plate appearances. Still he's only 23 and has loads of potential.

Should he fulfill that potential he has a chance to stick with the club, however, the likely scenario is that he's only up for the duration of Buck's DL stint. Unless, he cashes in on his potential he's the only one with options left, besides J.D. Martinez, and I can't see the Astros letting Martinez stay up if he doesn't reach that potential while throwing aside either Buck or Bogusevic.

Regardless it'll be interesting to see what Martinez can do at the big league level. Well those of you that live the Houston area will be able to see. The rest of us not in the Houston area will be blacked out this fine evening, thanks to Fox and MLB's ridiculous blackout rules.